A Trip to Peking

As a company, we went to the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage to watch their production of Aladdin.
This was my first pantomime to watch, I absolutely adored it. It gave a great insight into what panto is all about. The performers energy levels were always at the highest peak, their characterisation flawless to the point that I completely believed the Dame and everything she sold as her character.
There was a great amount of audience participation especially with the songs and dances.
Another aspect I wasn't expecting is how current panto's are and how they keep up with the latest songs and topics. It adds a greater level to the humour as the jokes aren't just for cheap laughs (although there are many of the Dame's jokes which are) they are intelligent with purpose.
Characterisation was done so well, there was a mishap on stage where the Dame's wig fell off and she began laughing onstage but covered it immediately with a witty line and a quick flurry off stage.
We also had the Dame pick our Dame (Jovan) which gave him a real taste of just how inappropriate can afford to go before it's too much.
Watching my character intently I noticed how she had a lyrical tone to her voice when she spoke which added to her magical element. She also used her arms a lot and had a few motifs. Taking this in, I began to think of similar moves to add that would be appropriate for my character.